Post by newjersey on Feb 16, 2010 11:04:45 GMT -8

I'm gonna do this all formal-like, but y'all don't have to.

Who? GirlsWhere? Bowery BallroomWhen? November 2009

(Note: Only the last paragraph is an actual review of the show)

I almost didn't go to this, and not because I had mixed feelings about the band. I got into them a few weeks before the show and had a friend who was into them too, so we decided to get tickets. Trouble was, they were sold out (Bowery Ballroom is relatively low-capacity). I tried EBay, and found a lot of four. No problem, I'll just sell the other two on craigslist for whatever I pay. The set would up going for $132.50, about double face value. My maximum bid was $130, then time ran out. Shit.

Onwards to craigslist. A lot of "WANT TWO TIX GIRLS 11/23", hatever the day was, few selling. I send out the e-mails, and get one response - "sorry, i got these on ebay and would rather it be local. i'm on long island." Putting two and two together, I responded that I was the guy he beat. The guy was sympathetic and offered to sell me the pair of tickets through EBay for $75. Fair enough.

The show was on a Friday. On Monday the tickets were sent from Long Island, which, for you Northwesterners, is about a 45 minutes drive from where I live in New Jersey. By Wednesday the tickets had reached Chicago, which, for you Northwesterners, is about a 12 hour drive from where I live in New Jersey. Panic. I called UPS about ten times over the next two days and maintained an e-mail correspondence with the sender, who, to his credit, tried to transfer the package to air shipping so I could get it on time. No dice - I wasn't going to get them until the day after the show. The sender, who I cannot say enough nice things about, refunded me, and that was that.

Except my friend and I decided to make the trip into New York anyway and try to scalp ourselves a pair. A series of mix-ups, misunderstandings and wrong turns got us to the venue about ninety minutes to two hours early, when there were about three people on line. "You just missed Chris Owens, he was just out here chilling with us." "Ah, darn. Are there still tickets?" "Yeah." "How much?" "$15." yeah.

Anyway, the show was great. Almost all of their set came from Album without much reworking, so if you like Album it's great. Hellhole Ratrace builds even better than it does on the record, everybody loves Lust For Life, and everything else was just what it was. I imagine they're a band that's better in sunlight. I'll see them again if they're against weak acts on the other stages.

Who? Mountain GoatsWhere? Webster HallWhen? December 2009

There's another ridiculous story behind how I got to this show, but I only have 57,272 characters left and I have a few more stories to tell. The Mountain Goats are one of those bands that you should see at every possible opportunity presented to you. They have a pool of about, I dunno, 500 or so songs to pull from, plus covers. An hour of John Darnielle with a microphone is worth about $20, nevermind the guitar. On the particular night I saw them, I got two encores: Ezekiel 7/This Year/No Children, and Going To Georgia. Going. To. Georgia. You pray for Going To Georgia in your Mountain Goatish prayers. You pray Darnielle goes nuts and plays No Children and then The Best Ever Death Metal Band Out of Denton and then Going To Georgia and then The Sign. The Sign, by Ace of Base. He does it better than Ace of Base did, because he sings it with heart. He sings everything with heart! The song is about peanuts, but that doesn't matter because he is singing it he is yelling it like it is the most important thing in the world that you know what he is telling you at this very moment and not a moment later!

Yeaaaaaah.

Who? The National, Vampire WeekendWhere? All Points WestWhen? July 2009

These get lumped together because it was raining the whole time, I was ill-equipped for such weather, and really all I remember is how wet it was. Bryce Dessner The lead singer did a stage dive into the soaking wet crowd at the end of The National's set, so good on him.

Went with some friends, had seats very far back. I hate seated theaters. The new stuff works just as well as the old stuff live, and hopefully they cut the crap out of their festival set (Diplomat's Son, Taxi Cab). If I go, it'll be a hell of a debate between finally seeing them in a non-shitty setting and not seeing them a third time.

Post by bradberad12 on Feb 16, 2010 11:25:27 GMT -8

I was at university and had recently heard of Tegan & Sara, so I went to this small pub and watched them in front of a packed crowd of 125 people (I later worked at the pub and that was it's capacity so that's how I know how many people werer there)

One of them (can't remember which) had a terrible hacking cough and at least once or twice had to stop in the middle of the song to cough up a lung. I still really enjoyed the show however.

I also realized how tough it would be being a mediocre band trying to make it big time. After signing some cd's, I watched as the sisters were hurried out by their manager after the show, so they could get in the van and head to their next destination. Neither of them looked particularly happy in the moment, and both looked incredibly tired. So I give them great respect for having toughed it out for so long and finally get some decent respect in the industry 5-7 years later.

Post by jobosrock on Feb 16, 2010 11:39:44 GMT -8

Who? Patrick WatsonWhere? Vogue Theater, VancouverWhen? December 2009

They are soo tight live and play some of the coolest music around. During the song Beijing, the drummer plays a mind melting pots and pans solo and during Traveling Salesman Patrick plays a trumpet-sounding solo with a megaphone and a plunger. They do a lot of really cool stuff live (I was on the balcony in the center and the guitarist and drummer, who was playing the saw, came and sat on the ledge next to me while the rest of the band played in the center of the crowd completely unplugged) but I don't know what their show will be like at a festival (probably midday on a smaller stage). This band is one of Canada's semi-hidden gems, and I urge everyone to check them out!

P.s. That show included a backing string quartet. I don't know if they will be there as well but they just made the show that much more incredible (in my top 3 for sure).

Post by geetarsisrock on Feb 16, 2010 11:55:06 GMT -8

Opened for Robert Randolph and The Black Crowes. I grew up on classic and southern rock and I was at that point in my college career where indie music was starting to infiltrate my everyday life. I fell instantly in love with the jams, the 3 fantastic guitars (ala Skynyrd), their humor (see Southern Rock Opera) and their aptness for the blues in general. They're missing the very talented Jason Isbell now, but I think that they've added a couple folks to the roster. If you even remotely enjoy southern rock you'll love these guys.

Who? Band of HorsesWhere? Bumbershoot, Seattle, WAWhen? 2008

I was surprised that they broke out a couple very bluesy chunes during the show but in general they're very similar to their recording, only with a lot of heart in the vocals. They were fantastic but having seen them I'd be inclined to see someone else if there was a serious conflict.

Now here's a drinking band. Absolutely fun. Great musicians and far more electric live than on record. I'll be there almost certainly.

Lastly, my buddies saw Mayer Hawthorne at Bumbershoot last year while i was wandering around looking for an ATM to deposit a check (long story). Unfortunately i missed the set but they were ecstatic. Tons of funk, comedy and energy. I really hope to not miss MH this time.

Post by snave on Feb 16, 2010 12:02:33 GMT -8

Have seen The National the last time they were at Sasquatch. They had to play on the small stage due to getting there late because of bus problems. I was right up there in the very front, they were incredible. I suppose they will be on the main stage this year, so getting up close is a bit more difficult... but they are well worth seeing. LOTS of intensity. The vocalist has some rather odd mannerisms, has an amazingly good voice. Great guitarwork, and while some don't care for the drummer's style that much, I love his work.

Also saw The Hold Steady at Sasquatch. I have to agree, their live performance is better than what's on record, although I am a fan of their CDs too. Very good energy, lots of fun.

Post by timetable on Feb 16, 2010 12:16:38 GMT -8

Mgmt at bonnaroo last year was life changing. No Age while Randy was in a arm brace was absolutely great.Dr. Dog in what appeared to be a haunted old folks home, Never heard anything prettier in my time.and when I saw Girls, I wouldnt say they just played through their album in a un-reworked manner, it might have just been because they were happy to be back in San Francisco, but when I saw them on Valentine's Day they played a fantastic set with other songs and just great performances of everything they played.

and no one should miss neon indian. there'll be regret, at sometime in the future when Local Joke becomes the National anthem

Post by ryslice on Feb 16, 2010 12:32:17 GMT -8

Who? The NationalWhere? All Points WestWhen? July 2009

Much like the OP I saw The National at APW, and although it was raining it was an amazing set. Although it was the lead singer Matt Berringer who dive the crowd dive and ended up singing the end of Mr. November within the crowd. It was intense. All in all an amazing set, and I can't wait to see them again. I left before Vampire Weekend came on, so it'll be nice to see them too, but much more excited to hear some of the new National stuff.

Had only heard rumblings about the band before attending this show, but it ended up being well worth it. They have great stage presence and really bring you into the set. It'll be nice to see them in a different atmosphere. The guys from Vancouver might end up headlining the Yeti stage, although they probably have enough following for Wookie.

I've seen Dallas Green (of Alexisonfire fame) perform his solo act three times now and it has yet to get old. His voice is incredible and his lyrics are peircing. If you haven't seen him play then please do yourself a favour and check out his show.

Post by ccoult on Feb 16, 2010 12:48:46 GMT -8

Did I misunderstand or did you say somebody paid $132.50 for 2 tickets to see Girls? I saw Girls and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart for $12 (Canadian, so actually like $11!!!) at The Biltmore in Vancouver. Girls opened for Pains and they totally stole the show. Chris Owens looked pretty fucked up before their set, but man that dude leaves it all out on the stage.

Post by on Feb 16, 2010 12:54:25 GMT -8

I'm just going to lurk this thread for song titles from bands I plan to check out prior to the show. If you can, please list a few of your favorite songs by the artist you're reviewing in order to help out those among us who aren't as familiar with the bands

Post by interstateeight on Feb 16, 2010 12:56:02 GMT -8

I'm just going to lurk this thread for song titles from bands I plan to check out prior to the show. If you can, please list a few of your favorite songs by the artist you're reviewing in order to help out those among us who aren't as familiar with the bands

This goes for everyone:

If you want help familiarizing yourself with some of the bands on the bill, please go to the Sasquatch Album Club in the Music Share forum.

Post by bendulum on Feb 16, 2010 12:58:35 GMT -8

Who? Massive AttackWhere? Paramount Theater, SeattleWhen? April 2006

A gripping stage presence, very tight live band and a Tour de France of LED lights are what comprise the live Massive Attack experience. If you get a chance to see them close Sunday night, I strongly suggest you see them. No matter if you're up close to see the performers (TWO drummers, keyboard, bass, guitar, and a revolving door of different vocalists), or far back to take in the full scope of the LED lights in background, you will be impressed.

Listen to the albums Mezzanine and Blue Lines before checking out their more recent albums. Sample some live material below:

Post by keepinitreal on Feb 16, 2010 13:37:34 GMT -8

Who: MGMT Where: Roo'When: Last year

The main feature of their show that will surprise you is that it really isn't a dance party at all, they play it much more like a rock show. This could have to do with the bands love of classic rock but more likely it is due to the fact that the duo themselves have the raw musical talent and stage presence of a 12 year old (their talent comes in their song writing ability). Columbia records ain't no fool though and realized that these two will sell tickets like the jonas brothers, thus they matched them up with one of the best lead guitarists you'll hear as part of a damn good backing band. The show lacks inspiring moments and really plays as a solute to the album itself. With that being said the talent of the backing band holds the whole ordeal together and anyone who considerers themselves a fan of there music will enjoy themselves.

Who: My Morning Jacket Where: Pemberton When:08

When I saw this show I knew very little about the band except in an article I had come across online where the band was praised for their live ability. I saw about an hour set with my good friend who has very different music taste than I do (well I go nuts for some flaming lips he'd be drooling over them crooked vultures) we both found the performance to be outstanding. The band plays very tight and Jim James brings his heart and soul to every song. This is one act anyone would be a fool to miss.

Who: Neon IndianWhere: Rockbar, South BeachWhen:Last fall

I went to this show which was billed as a release party for a band I have worked very closely with as a music business college student/intern at several miami based record labels (awesome new republic, check em out). I knew very little about the band except they were tagged "the next big thing" and had great buzz about them. Several songs into the set I found myself very disappointed, maybe it was the mix, maybe I was tired (they played second and in miami things start late) but I would have similar complaints about them that people normally express about animal collective. Dead noise and songs that feel like they are going nowhere. ANR (my band) rocked it on the other hand so personally I don't think the venue was to blame.

I know it has been mentioned already but other acts I have seen that you can't miss are the national, band of horses, and Dr. Dog....I don't want you to think I'm all negative after writing those reviews I was just trying to pick bands people hadn't put very solid reviews of yet.

Post by jeffmac on Feb 16, 2010 13:38:56 GMT -8

To say this performance was life changing would be pretty dramatic, but it changed my life. They had a measly set time of 30 minutes at Red Rocks, and were allowed to go over because there was such a large crowd their just to see them. They are an amazing group of bohemians that number at around 11-13 people on stage and are simply stunning in energy and musicality. I loved their album, which pitchfork panned, but found its music surprisingly simple and heartfelt. When hearing them live, it was hard not to just smile and feel the emotions of the music. The last time I felt this way was seeing Arcade Fire, but with a completely happy feeling. They are surely a band you can not miss!

Who? Band of HorsesWhere? Knitting Factory, SpokaneWhen? October 2009

These guys know how to rawk and roll. They have sweet harmonies and play all their greats. I have to say Funeral is just an amazing song both on record and live. Also, their new songs were just as amazing as the old, which is always a plus.

Neon Indian was pretty damn amazing for practically his first performance. It is much better than on record. Cymbals Eat Guitars were pretty fantastic and reminded me of The White Stripes for some reason when I saw them. There album didn't lean toward that kind of raw sound, but the lead singers guitar playing is awesome and hard hitting. Both well worth seeing.

Who? Local NativesWhere? Bell Tower, Pullman, WAWhen? November 2009

Great harmonies and album. Really nice dudes and are close to the level of Edward Sharpe.

Saw them at Sasquatch too. It wasn't very good at so I thought I'd give them a second chance at Monolith. The band as a whole and the music was amazing, but the lead singer BLOWS sooooo much that it is extremely hard to listen to. Its a catch 22.